Systems and methods for phase locked loop realignment with skew cancellation

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods are provided for a phase locked loop. A phase/frequency detector is configured to receive a reference signal and a feedback signal. A charge pump is configured to receive outputs from the phase/frequency detector and to generate pulses. An oscillator is configured to generate an output waveform based on the charge pump pulses. A realignment path is configured to generate a clock realignment signal that is provided to the oscillator based on the outputs from the phase/frequency detector.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO A RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/159,335, filed Jan. 27, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure is related to circuit timing and more particularly to phase locked loops for generating circuit clocks.

BACKGROUND

High speed clock signals have a variety of applications including wireless data communication and medical devices and instrumentation. A phase locked loop (PLL) is a device that is typically implemented to lock the phase and frequency of a first device device, often a higher frequency local oscillator device such as a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO), to a second device, often a lower frequency reference device such as a temperature compensated (TCXO) or oven controlled oscillator (OCXO). The PLL is utilized because the phase and frequency of the first, typically higher frequency device, may not be very stable over temperature and time, where the second device has better behavior regarding those characteristics.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects of the present disclosure are best understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying figures.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram depicting a phase locked loop with charge pump based realignment in accordance with embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a diagram depicting a phase locked loop with matching skew mitigation circuitry in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 3 depicts relative timing of signals described above with respect to FIG. 2 .

FIG. 4 is a diagram depicting relative pulse widths of PLL signals in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram depicting a PLL having a pulse generator that operates based on a realignment pulse width control signal.

FIG. 6 is a diagram depicting a pulse generator having a controllable pulse width in accordance with embodiments.

FIG. 7 depicts a phase locked loop that utilizes OR-gate skew mitigation circuitry in accordance with embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram depicting a method of generating a periodic output waveform.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following disclosure provides many different embodiments, or examples, for implementing different features of the provided subject matter. Specific examples of components and arrangements are described below to simplify the present disclosure. These are, of course, merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. In addition, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or letters in the various examples. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the various embodiments and/or configurations discussed.

As described above, a PLL may be used to maintain correct operating behavior of a high frequency oscillator (e.g., a VCO as described in the examples herein). But a PLL itself may behavior off nominally at times, sometimes based on small amounts of error accumulated over time. To account for such imperfect PLL behavior, a PLL may be implemented with a realignment path that is configured to generate a clock realignment signal that is provided to the VCO (e.g., periodically, on command, upon occurrence of an error or other predetermined condition) to realign VCO operation with the reference device. Proper alignment of the clock realignment signal with a current state of the VCO and PLL may be important, in some embodiments, to achieving a proper realignment operation such that a locking condition is not broken. Systems and methods herein, in embodiments, provide accurately timed clock realignment signals to the VCO.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram depicting a phase locked loop with charge pump based realignment in accordance with embodiments. A PLL 100 controls a VCO 102 that is configured to generate a periodic output waveform (F_(out)) based on charge pump pulses generated by a charge pump 104 and a realignment signal (CLK_(rl)). The example PLL 100 operates as a negative feedback system that locks the phase and frequency of VCO 102 to a typically lower frequency signal from a more stable device provided at F_(ref). A feedback path 106 includes feedback path circuitry 108 that, in embodiments, includes a frequency divider to reduce the VCO output frequency V_(out) to approximately match that of the reference frequency F_(ref). A phase/frequency detector (PFD) 110 receives the reference frequency, in embodiments after some amount of delay as described further herein, at F_(in) and a feedback signal from the feedback path 106 at F_(bk). The PFD 110 compares the signals received at F_(in), F_(bk), and generates control signals Up_(pfd) and DN_(pfd) directing the charge pump 104 to sink or source current pulses at the F_(ref) rate. Those current pulses from the charge pump 104 are processed by a low pass filter 112 to generate a voltage VCO_(in) that is applied to the tuning port of the VCO, an adjustment process that continues until the inputs (F_(in), F_(bk)) to the PFD are equal and in phase. When those inputs are equal, the PLL 100 is said to be locked.

Despite a locked condition, phase noise, spurious signals, and other phenomena may over time contribute to anomalous behavior by the PLL, resulting in a suboptimal output of the VCO. To mitigate that suboptimal behavior, a realignment path 114 provides (e.g., periodically) a clock realignment pulse CLK_(rl) to the VCO using realignment circuitry 116 that, in embodiments, comprises a pulse generator. The realignment circuitry 116 receives an input signal that is based on signals Up_(buf) and DN_(buf) received directly from, just before, or near the charge pump 104. To maintain proper alignment of the click realignment signal CLK_(rl) with the current state of the VCO and PLL so as to not break a locked condition of the loop 100, the charge pump 104 and the realignment path 114 may include matching skew mitigation circuitry 118, 120 that respectively process the Up_(buf) and DN_(buf) signals using matched circuitry. For example, skew mitigation circuitry A 118 may process Up_(buf) using a first logic gate and DN_(buf) using a second logic gate, while skew mitigation circuitry B 120 processes both Up_(buf) and DN_(buf) using a third logic gate, where the first, second, and third logic gates are of the same type (e.g., AND gates, OR gates), and in embodiments, identical logic gates (e.g., same part number, same type of gate on a multi-gate integrated circuit).

FIG. 2 is a diagram depicting a phase locked loop with matching skew mitigation circuitry in accordance with an embodiment. The PLL 100 includes a PFD 110 that receives a reference signal F_(ref) at F_(in) and a feedback signal from feedback path circuitry 108 (e.g., a frequency divider 200 and buffers 201) after feedback loop 106 at F_(bk) and generates outputs Up_(pfd), DN_(pfd) based on a comparison of the frequency and phase of those input signals at F_(in), F_(bk). A charge pump 104 receives the PFD 110 outputs and uses those outputs to generate current pulses that are provided to a low pass filter 112 that converts the current pulses to a voltage level VCO_(IN) that is provided to a VCO 102. The PLL 100 further includes a realignment path 114 configured to generate a clock realignment signals CLK_(rl) that is provided to the VCO 102 based on outputs from the PFD 110 (i.e., signals originating from UP_(pfd), DN_(pfd)).

With further reference to the charge pump 104, the charge pump 104 receives inputs Up_(pfd), DN_(pfd) from PFD 110 and may, in embodiments provide those input signals to buffers 202. In embodiments, the amount of delay provided by the buffers 202 is user controllable during a design phase, such as in using computer-aided circuit design software. The buffered outputs from 202 Up_(buf), DN_(buf) are provided to skew mitigation circuitry A at 118. In the example of FIG. 2 , the skew mitigation circuitry 118, 120 is implemented using AND gates. Skew mitigation circuitry A 118 comprises AND gates having one of their inputs tied high and the other input receiving a respective one of Up_(buf), DN_(buf) to produce Up_(pump), DN_(pump), respectively. The Up_(pump) signal controls a switch that is connected to a current source 204 so as to source current pulses to the low pass filter 112 based on the UP_(pump) signal. The DN_(pump) signal controls a switch that is connected to another current source 206 so as to sink current pulses to the low pass filter 112 based on the DN_(pump) signal.

Further regarding the realignment path 114, skew mitigation circuitry B 120 receives UP_(buf) and DN_(buf) from the charge pump 104. Skew mitigation circuitry B 120 is implemented using a substantially identical, or identical, AND gate as those used in skew mitigation circuitry A 118 (e.g., same type of gate, same size of gate, same part number). Skew mitigation circuitry B 120 provides both UP_(buf) and DN_(buf) to the AND gate inputs to generate F_(up_and_dn) that is provided to a pulse generator realignment circuitry 116. The pulse generator 116 provides the clock realignment signal CLK_(rl) based on receipt of the F_(up_and_dn) signal, where in embodiments, a width of the clock realignment signal CLK_(rl) is controllable, such as described further herein.

The example realignment path 114 of FIG. 2 provides multiple features that individually, or collectively, maintain alignment of the clock realignment signal CLK_(rl) with a current state of the VCO and PLL to avoid breaking of a locked condition of the loop 100 during realingment. First, the use of post-PFD 110 signals as inputs to the realignment path 114 mitigates difficulty in estimating buffer delays during a design phase of a circuit. As noted above, certain buffer delays (e.g., delay from buffers 202) may be user controlled during computer-aided circuit design. But other signal buffering (e.g., buffering at 208 between F_(ref) and F_(in), may in some instances be selected by the an automated place and route routine of the computer-aided circuit design software to account for timing with other components of a larger circuit in which the PLL 100 appears. The indeterminate amount of buffer delay at 208 would introduce uncertainty in the realignment path 114 if the realignment path 114 were sourced from prior to PFD 110 (e.g., from near the F_(REF) source prior to buffers 208). Early sourcing of the realignment path signal 114 may require use of a programmable delay line or a delay lock loop to account for the indeterminate total delay from 208 and 202. By sourcing the realignment path signal 114 from after 208 (and 202 in embodiments), any need for a programmable delay line or delay lock loop can be avoided.

Second, alignment of the clock realignment signal CLK_(rl) with the current state of the VCO and PLL is improved through use of identical or substantially identical structures (e.g., logic gates, one or more transistors) at skew mitigating circuitry 118, 120. The use of identical or substantially identical gates results in the timing from the output of buffers 202 to the input of the low pass filter 112 being substantially identical to timing from the output of buffers 202 to the input of pulse generator 116. In embodiments, skew mitigation circuitry A 118 compensates for latency from the combination of UP_(buf) and DN_(buf) at 120 by using a common logic gate design for each of the depicted logic gates at 118, 120. Thus, in embodiments, when the PLL 100 is in a locked status, F_(in), aligns with F_(bk) and UP_(pfd) aligns with DN_(pfd) with both of those signals having a common pulse width, where phase error contributions to VCO are mitigated by F_(up_and_dn) being aligned with UP_(pump) and DN_(pump).

FIG. 3 depicts relative timing of signals described above with respect to FIG. 2 . At 302, the reference signal F_(ref) transitions high. Following, in some instances, a delay of unknown length during design prior to auto place and route, PFD 110 comparison of signals at F_(in) and F_(bk), and further buffering at 202, UP_(buf) and DN_(buf) transition high at 304 in alignment during a locked state of the PLL 100. UP_(buf) traverses its AND gate in skew mitigation circuitry A 118, DN_(buf) traverses its AND gate in skew mitigation circuitry A 118, and both UP_(buf) and DN_(buf) are processed at the AND gate in skew mitigation circuitry B 120 to form UP_(pump), DN_(pump), and F_(up_and_dn), which transition high at 306 in unison during a locked state of the PLL 100.

In has been observed that in some instances the realignment path exhibits improved function when pulse widths from PFD 110 are larger than the pulse width output from pulse generator 116 and when the pulse width from the pulse generator 116 is less than half the period of the VCO clock. That is: PFD _(pulse_width)>Pulse Generator_(pulse_width); and Pulse Generator_(pulse_width)<0.5*VCO _(period).

FIG. 4 is a diagram depicting relative pulse widths of PLL signals in accordance with an embodiment. At 402, the reference signal F_(ref) transitions high. PFD 110 compares signals at F_(in) and F_(bk), and after buffering at 202, UP_(buf) and DN_(buf) transition high at 404 in alignment during a locked state of the PLL 100. Both UP_(buf) and DN_(buf) are processed at the AND gate in skew mitigation circuitry B 120 to form F_(up_and_dn), which commands the pulse generator 116 to generate the clock realignment signal CLK_(rl). Each of UP_(buf), DN_(buf), and F_(up_and_dn)'s pulse widths are based on pulse widths output from PFD 110 (PFD reset pulse). In the example of FIG. 4 , the pulse generator 116 is configured to output a pulse having a width (realigned pulse width) that is both less than one half of the VCO_(period) as well as smaller than the PFD_(pulse_width), or conversely the PFD reset pulse width is greater than the realigned pulse width.

To ensure that a realignment path pulse width according to desirable parameters can be provided, in embodiments, pulse generator 116 is implemented using a configuration that controls pulse width according to a modifiable control parameter. FIG. 5 is a diagram depicting a PLL having a pulse generator that operates based on a realignment pulse width control signal. The PLL 100 includes a PFD 110 that receives a reference signal at F_(in), and a feedback signal at F_(bk). A charge pump 104 receives outputs from the PFD and generates pulses that are output to a low pass filter 112 which provides a control voltage VCO_(in) to the VCO. A realignment path 114 includes clock realignment circuitry 116 configured to generate a clock realignment signal CLK_(rl) that is provided to the VCO 102. In the embodiment of FIG. 5 , the realignment circuitry 116 receives a realignment pulse width control signal 502 that is configured to control a pulse width of the clock realignment signal CLK_(rl), such as to meet the above described pulse width criteria.

FIG. 6 is a diagram depicting a pulse generator having a controllable pulse width in accordance with embodiments. The pulse generator 600 receives an input F_(up_and_down) and provides a clock realignment signal CLK_(rl) at its output based on a width control signal (Widthcontrol[2:0]) Specifically, F_(up_and_down) is received by an inverter train 602, which operates to delay and invert F_(up_and_down) The delayed and inverted version of F_(up_and_down) is received by a width control circuit 604 that includes NAND gates 606, 608, 610, 612, 614 and inverters 616, 618, 620 electrically coupled together as shown. The width control circuit 604 also receives a three-bit width control signal [2:0] and uses this received signal to control the width of the pulses generated by the pulse generator 600.

More specifically, as seen in the example embodiment of FIG. 6 , a first bit of the three-bit width control signal [2:0] is received at the NAND gate 606, a second bit of the three-bit width control signal [2:0] is received at the NAND gate 608, and a third bit of the three-bit width control signal [2:0] is received at the NAND gate 610. The table below illustrates an example scheme by which the three-bit width control signal [2:0] may be used to control the width of the pulses generated by the pulse generator 600:

Width control[2.0] Pulse width 3′b001 Level0 (narrow) 3′b010 Level1 (middle) 3′b100 Level2 (wide)

As seen in the table above, in this example, if the first bit (e.g., least-significant bit) is high (e.g., logic-level high or “1”), and the second and third bits are low (e.g., logic-level low or “0”), then the pulse signal generated by the pulse generator 600 has a first width (e.g., a narrowest width). Further, in this example, if the third bit (e.g., most-significant bit) is high, and the first and second bits are low, then the pulse signal generated by the pulse generator 600 has a second width (e.g., a widest width). Additionally, in this example, if the second bit is high, and the first and third bits are low, then the pulse signal generated by the pulse generator 600 has a third width (e.g., a medium width that is between the aforementioned narrowest and widest widths). Further details of example operation of a controllable pulse width generator are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/744,413, entitled “Oscillator Circuits and Methods for Realignment of an Oscillator Circuit,” the entirety of which is herein incorporated by reference.

While prior examples have utilized AND gates in implementing skew mitigation circuitry A and B 118, 120, other circuitry, such as different logic gates or different circuit components (e.g., transistors) may be used. FIG. 7 depicts a phase locked loop that utilizes OR-gate skew mitigation circuitry in accordance with embodiments. The PLL 100 includes a PFD 110 that receives a reference signal F_(ref) at F_(in), and a feedback signal from feedback path circuitry 108 (e.g., a frequency divider 200 and buffers 201) after feedback loop 106 at F_(bk) and generates outputs Up_(pfd), DN_(pfd) based on a comparison of the frequency and phase of those input signals at F_(in), F_(bk). A charge pump 104 receives the PFD 110 outputs and uses those outputs to generate current pulses that are provided to a low pass filter 112 that converts the current pulses to a voltage level VCO_(IN) that is provided to a VCO 102. The PLL 100 further includes a realignment path 114 configured to generate a clock realignment signals CLK_(ri) that is provided to the VCO 102 based on outputs from the PFD 110 (i.e., signals originating from UP_(pfd), DN_(pfd))

With further reference to the charge pump 104, the charge pump 104 receives inputs Up_(pfd), DN_(pfd) from PFD 110 and may, in embodiments provide those input signals to buffers 202. The buffered outputs from 202 Up_(buf), DN_(buf) are provided to skew mitigation circuitry A at 702. In the example of FIG. 7 , the skew mitigation circuitry 702, 704 is implemented using OR gates. Skew mitigation circuitry A 702 comprises AND gates having one of their inputs tied low and the other input receiving a respective one of Up_(buf), DN_(buf) to produce Up_(pump), DN_(pump), respectively. The Up_(pump) signal controls a switch that is connected to a current source 204 so as to source current pulses to the low pass filter 112 based on the UP_(pump) signal. The DN_(pump) signal controls a switch that is connected to another current source 206 so as to sink current pulses to the low pass filter 112 based on the DN_(pump) signal.

Further regarding the realignment path 114, skew mitigation circuitry B 704 receives UP_(buf) and DN_(buf) from the charge pump 104. Skew mitigation circuitry B 704 is implemented using a substantially identical, or identical, OR gate as those used in skew mitigation circuitry A 702. Skew mitigation circuitry B 704 provides both UP_(buf) and DN_(buf) to the OR gate inputs to generate F_(up_or_dn) that is provided to a pulse generator realignment circuitry 116. The pulse generator 116 provides the clock realignment signal CLK_(rl) based on receipt of the F_(up_or_dn) signal.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram depicting a method of generating a periodic output waveform. The method includes comparing a phase and frequency of a reference signal and a feedback signal using a phase/frequency detector at 802. At 804, pulses are generated based on outputs of the phase/frequency detector using a charge pump. At 806, an output waveform is generated based on the charge pump pulses and a clock realignment signal, the clock realignment signal being based on the outputs from the phase/frequency detector.

Systems and methods as described herein may take a variety of forms. In one example, systems and methods are provided for a phase locked loop. A phase/frequency detector is configured to receive a reference signal and a feedback signal. A charge pump is configured to receive outputs from the phase/frequency detector and to generate pulses. An oscillator is configured to generate an output waveform based on the charge pump pulses. A realignment path is configured to generate a clock realignment signal that is provided to the oscillator based on the outputs from the phase/frequency detector.

In another example, a method of generating a periodic output waveform includes comparing a phase and frequency of a reference signal and a feedback signal using a phase/frequency detector. Pulses are generated based on outputs of the phase/frequency detector using a charge pump. An output waveform is generated based on the charge pump pulses and a clock realignment signal, the clock realignment signal being based on the outputs from the phase/frequency detector.

As a further example, a clock generation circuit includes a charge pump configured to receive a first input signal and a second input signal, the charge pump being configured to route the first input signal and the second input signal to respective first and second alignment logic gates, the charge pump configured to generate pulse signals based on the first and second input signals. A realignment circuit is configured to generate a realignment signal based on the first input signal and the second input signal after both are routed through a third alignment gate. An oscillator is configured to produce an output waveform based on the pulse signals and the realignment signal.

The foregoing outlines features of several embodiments so that those skilled in the art may better understand the aspects of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the present disclosure as a basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures for carrying out the same purposes and/or achieving the same advantages of the embodiments introduced herein. Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that they may make various changes, substitutions, and alterations herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A phase locked loop comprising: a charge pump; an oscillator; a filter between the charge pump and the oscillator; and a realignment path configured to generate a clock realignment signal that is provided to the oscillator, wherein the clock realignment signal is based on a first output from the charge pump after the first output bypasses the filter and is routed through a first matching gate.
 2. The phase locked loop of claim 1, wherein the charge pump comprises: a second matching gate configured to receive the first output and to generate a control signal; a current source; and a switch configured to be controlled by the control signal to connect and disconnect the current source to and from the filter.
 3. The phase locked loop of claim 2, wherein each of the first and second matching gates is an AND gate or an OR gate.
 4. The phase locked loop of claim 1, wherein the filter is a low pass filter configured to receive pulses from the charge pump and to generate an input to the oscillator.
 5. The phase locked loop of claim 1, wherein the clock realignment signal is periodically generated to reset accumulated error in the phase locked loop.
 6. The phase locked loop of claim 1, wherein the realignment path receives no input from a phase/frequency detector.
 7. The phase locked loop of claim 1, wherein the realignment path does not include a programmable delay line or a delay locked loop.
 8. The phase locked loop of claim 1, further comprising a feedback path configured to provide an output waveform from the oscillator as a feedback signal.
 9. The phase locked loop of claim 8, wherein the feedback path comprises a frequency divider.
 10. The phase locked loop of claim 1, wherein the realignment path is further configured to generate the clock realignment signal based on a second output that is from the charge pump, that bypasses the filter, and that is routed through the first matching gate.
 11. The phase locked loop of claim 1, wherein the charge pump is configured to receive a first input to generate the first output.
 12. The phase locked loop of claim 1, wherein the realignment path comprises a pulse generator and the realignment signal is generated by the pulse generator.
 13. The phase locked loop of claim 12, wherein a pulse width of the realignment signal is controllable via an input to the pulse generator.
 14. The phase locked loop of claim 13, wherein the pulse width of the pulse generator is controlled so as to be: of shorter length than a pulse width generated by a phase/frequency detector; and of shorter length than one half of a period of an output waveform from the oscillator.
 15. The phase locked loop of claim 13, wherein the input selects which of multiple timing logic gates a selection signal is provided and each of the multiple timing logic gates is associated with a different pulse width of the realignment signal.
 16. A method of generating a periodic output waveform, comprising: generating a clock realignment signal based on an output from a charge pump; and providing the output to a first alignment logic gate such that the output bypasses a filter prior to generating the clock realignment signal.
 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: providing the output to a second alignment logic gate to generate pulses.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the first and second alignment logic gates are a common type of logic gate.
 19. A clock generation circuit comprising: a charge pump configured to receive an input signal, to generate an output signal based on the input signal, and to generate pulse signals based on the output signal after the output signal is routed through a first alignment logic gate; a realignment circuit configured to generate a realignment signal based on the output signal after the output signal bypasses a filter and is routed through a second alignment logic gate; and an oscillator configured to produce an output waveform based on the pulse signals and the realignment signal.
 20. The clock generation circuit of claim 19, wherein the first and second alignment logic gates are a common type of logic gate. 